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The John Adams Society

Christopher T. Wolff

Chairman

Jason D. Hoffman

Secretary

G. Larry Colson Jr.

Chief Whip

Katey Haflund

Chancellor

FEBRUARY 2017

“Conventions are serious things and ought not to be repeated.”

– Charles Cotesworth Pinckney

ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY. What greater power could be given to political elites that the ability to dissolve the very chains that are supposed to bind them? Calls for a Constitutional Convention have recently become en-vogue again, but the dangers are just as great as they were is 1787. Proponents argue that a new Con-Con is needed to restore order to our nation and that any convention would be strictly limited to a few measures favored by whatever group is getting pitched the idea. This was the same basic idea pitched over 200 years ago. We have an amendment process already to deal with one-off issues; yes individual amendments are difficult to pass, yet clearly not impossible. They also don’t come with the uncertainty of a Con-Con.

We shouldn’t even need amendments to the Constitution to get things like a balanced budget and many other conservative items. We simply need elect politicians who share our views and take their oaths of office seriously. If we can’t elect leaders who move forward the causes we advocate for, what chance do we have that we could pull off a Con-Con to restore order? Wouldn’t we be just as likely to declare “free” college for all as a Constitutional right as we would to have a balanced budged clause? 

ON THE OTHER HAND, How much worse could it get with a Con-Con. Our leaders already treat every restriction in the Constitution as something to work around or ignore completely. After all, Obamacare is a tax according to the Supreme Court. A Con-Con could re-legitimatize the rule of law and place some shackles back upon the Feds. Now, with a solid majority, the Red States could push through their agenda. A series of thoughtful amendments, based solidly in conservatism and lessons learned since the last convention, could once again foist the chains upon the Leviathan and leave us all better off for it. 

THE CHAIRMAN, having just re-powdered his wig, has called a debate to settle to topic:

RESOLVED: Beware of the Con-Con Con!

The Debate will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2017, at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, in Saint Paul. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o’clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. There is no dress code, however gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies are encourage to adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen arriving sans tie yet wishing to discourse on the resolution, the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand several remarkable selections. Questions regarding debate caucus procedures of about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (651) 494-9008 or the Secretary at (651) 245-6991.